A man is in a critical condition after a fall in a Lancashire quarry.

Christopher Walsh, of Liverpool, fell 25m (82ft) to the bottom of Anglezarke Quarry, at Rivington between Chorley and Horwich. The site is a well-known climbing honeypot and has more than a hundred routes.

Bolton Mountain Rescue Team went to Mr Walsh’s aid after the fall. He was subsequently airlifted by the North-West Air Ambulance to the Royal Blackburn Hospital. He has injuries to his head, chest, pelvis, left arm and leg and also abdominal injuries.

Police described him as a keen walker and climber. The circumstances of the fall are unknown but it is believed by police to be an accident.

The quarry is on Countryside and Rights of Way Act open access land owned by United Utilities.